Buying a House in Spain

Most of us have dreamed at some point of a home by the sea. And in reality, it is not as difficult or expensive as it might seem. Spain, particularly its Mediterranean coastline — the Costa Blanca — is one of the most accessible and attractive places in Europe to buy property. In this article we compare Torrevieja and Alicante, explore the advantages of each city, and highlight what to look for when buying a home by the sea.

At Granfield Estate, our agents live and work on the Costa Blanca and know both cities inside out. As a licensed agency (RAICV1663) and member of Asivega, we help buyers choose the right location and navigate the entire purchase process.

Why the Costa Blanca

• 300+ sunny days a year — a climatic norm, not a marketing tagline. The swimming season runs from May to November.
• No winter as such. January daytime temperatures: +12..+17°C. No frost, no snow, no ice.
• Blue Flag beaches — the international quality mark for water cleanliness and beach facilities.
• Accessible prices. The Costa Blanca is one of the few European regions where you can buy a sea-view apartment for under €100,000.
• Developed international infrastructure. Doctors, lawyers, schools, shops — everything is available in multiple languages.

Torrevieja — A Small Resort with Big Advantages

Torrevieja is a coastal resort town of around 100,000 permanent residents (up to 400,000 in summer). It is a relatively young city without grand historical architecture, but it has a wonderful Mediterranean resort atmosphere and an extremely comfortable living environment.

Torrevieja's Unique Nature

The main feature of Torrevieja is its two pink salt lakes: Laguna Torrevieja and Laguna La Mata. They create a unique microclimate with air rich in salt and iodine, which is beneficial for health. Torrevieja is one of Europe's largest salt producers. The lakes are surrounded by a natural park with flamingos and rare birds.

Torrevieja's Infrastructure

• Shopping centres (Habaneras, La Zenia Boulevard — the largest on the Costa Blanca)
• Supermarkets (Mercadona, Lidl, Aldi, El Corte Inglés)
• State and private schools with Spanish and international curricula
• Public and private hospitals
• Parks, green areas, seafront promenade
• Yacht marina, fishing port, golf courses, sailing club

Property Prices in Torrevieja

• Studios and 1-bedroom apartments: €60,000–€90,000
• 2-bedroom apartments: €90,000–€130,000
• Bungalows and townhouses: €100,000–€200,000
• Villas: €200,000–€500,000

Alicante — A Major City by the Sea

Alicante is the provincial capital with around 350,000 residents. Unlike Torrevieja, it is a fully-fledged large city with all its advantages and energy.

Advantages of Alicante

• International airport with direct flights from across Europe. 12 km from the city centre.
• One of Spain's largest ports — cruise terminal, marina, ferry services to the Balearic Islands.
• Rich history and culture. Santa Barbara Castle, the Barrio de la Santa Cruz old quarter, the Explanada de España promenade.
• Universities and education. University of Alicante — one of Spain's leading universities. Many international schools.
• Work and business. Alicante is the provincial business centre with international companies, IT, tourism, and trade.

Property Prices in Alicante

• City-centre apartments: €120,000–€200,000
• Beach apartments: €150,000–€300,000
• Suburban villas: €250,000–€600,000

Torrevieja vs Alicante: Which to Choose

• For retirement and relaxed sea life — Torrevieja. Quiet, affordable, everything nearby.
• For work, business, and active life — Alicante. More opportunities, international airport, diverse cultural life.
• For rental investment — both are good. Torrevieja has a lower entry price; Alicante has higher liquidity.
• For families with children — Orihuela Costa (between Torrevieja and Alicante): quiet areas, new complexes with pools, international schools.

From our experience, many clients start by looking exclusively in one city but end up buying in the other. One Swedish couple came to us set on Alicante city centre but, after seeing what their budget could get in Torrevieja, chose a sea-view apartment there instead — at half the price.

The distance between Torrevieja and Alicante is just 45 km. Buses run every hour. Many residents live in Torrevieja and work or study in Alicante.

Conclusion

Buying a home by the sea in Spain is an achievable goal. Torrevieja and Alicante offer different lifestyles, but both cities sit on the warm Mediterranean with beautiful natural surroundings. Prices, infrastructure, and quality of life make the Costa Blanca one of the best places in Europe for relocation and investment. Contact Granfield Estate — we will help you find your perfect home by the sea.

How Granfield Estate Helps You Find a Home by the Sea

• Local agents in both cities: We cover Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, La Mata, Guardamar, and Alicante. We’ll match you with the right neighbourhood based on your lifestyle and budget.
• In-house lawyer with 10+ years of experience: NIE, bank account, contract review, notary — all handled. Free first consultation.
• Property management: If you’re buying for rental income, we manage both short-term and long-term lets.

Granfield Estate
Av. Bélgica 1, C.C. Parquemar, La Mata, 03188 Torrevieja (Alicante)
Tel: +34 865 44 33 33
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Frequently Asked Questions

For a detailed overview of villas and houses in Torrevieja, read our article Villas and Houses in Torrevieja: Complete Buyer's Guide.

What is better to buy: Torrevieja or Alicante?

It depends on your goals. Torrevieja is a resort town with a summer vacation atmosphere, affordable prices, and the largest Russian-speaking community in Spain. Alicante is a larger administrative center with an international airport, a university, and a rich history. For vacation and rental — Torrevieja, for permanent residence with developed urban infrastructure — Alicante.

Is it possible to buy a house by the sea in Spain for less than €150,000?

Yes. On the Costa Blanca, this is possible: bungalows 10–15 minutes from the sea in Torrevieja or Orihuela Costa can be found in the range of €100,000–€140,000. Two-bedroom apartments with sea views start from €80,000–€120,000. It is important to additionally consider 10–12% for taxes and transaction costs.

What unique natural features does Torrevieja have?

The main feature is two pink salt lakes (Laguna de la Mata and Torrevieja Lake), recognized as a nature reserve. Their microclimate is considered one of the healthiest in Europe for treating respiratory and joint diseases. Many come here for "salt" therapy and end up staying forever.

How complicated is the process of buying a house in Spain for a foreigner?

With professional assistance, it is no more complicated than in any other country. The main steps are: obtain an NIE, open an account in a Spanish bank, sign a deposit agreement, conduct a legal check, and finalize the transaction with a notary. The entire process takes 4–10 weeks. Granfield Estate assists clients at every stage.

Looking for property in Torrevieja? Browse all properties in Torrevieja — apartments, villas, bungalows with prices and photos.